Throughout May and early June 2025, the Jesuit Urumuri Centre (JUC) conducted a series of school visits to monitor the continued implementation of the AHAPPY Generation Program in various partner schools across Rwanda. These visits aimed to assess progress, encourage students, and strengthen the impact of the value-based youth formation initiative developed by the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN).

The monitoring exercise offered JUC an opportunity to engage directly with AHAPPY club members, school administrators, and teachers to understand how the program is influencing students’ personal development, decision-making, and moral values, as it addresses the needs of the young generation in relation to HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancies, and drug abuse. 

On 2nd June, JUC visited GS Gihogwe Catholique, engaging students in a meaningful session that encouraged them to reflect on their personal growth, values, and the power of their voices. As part of the interactive session, students were introduced to the AJAN Creative Writing Competition, an initiative by the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) designed to amplify youth voices through essays, poems, and short narratives. JUC was proud to walk alongside these young minds, supporting them in their journey towards a brighter, more purpose-driven future.

Just a few days earlier, on 29th May, JUC visited GS Kabuye Catholique. The session was centered on the AHAPPY module “I am a Beloved Creature of God.” Prudence led students in exploring their unique identity, inherent dignity, and purpose. The discussion encouraged students to recognize their worth, not through external validation or distractions, but through the lens of love, faith, and self-awareness. Before closing, JUC once again reminded the students about the ongoing creative writing competition—a chance to express their insights and possibly win cash prizes.

Earlier in the month, on 15th May, the team visited Groupe Scolaire Gahanga 1, engaging both students and teachers. During the visit, JUC shared more about its mission of holistic youth formation and encouraged AHAPPY club members to lead by example, promoting life values among their peers and fostering a culture of care and responsibility.

On 12th May, JUC conducted a lively session at GS Nduba Catholique, where students were engaged in honest conversations about making responsible life choices. They explored how their daily actions can contribute to building a better future for themselves and their communities. The team also introduced the AJAN Creative Writing Competition as a platform for young people to reflect and express their values through storytelling.

On 9th May, JUC’s visit to Groupe Scolaire Kagugu Catholique served as a heartening reminder of the impact of the AHAPPY Generation Program. During a focused session with AHAPPY club members, students shared how the program has helped them grow in self-awareness, resilience, and responsible decision-making. Their enthusiasm and commitment to positive change left the team deeply encouraged.

Finally, on 8th May, JUC visited Groupe Scolaire Remera Catholique, where vibrant AHAPPY club members shared their reflections on how the program is shaping their values, building confidence, and nurturing hope. Prudence took the opportunity to explain the details of the AJAN Creative Writing Competition, encouraging students to participate and share their voices creatively.

These school visits were part of JUC’s broader strategy to ensure that the AHAPPY Generation Program is being effectively implemented and continues to contribute meaningfully to the formation of youth rooted in values, purpose, and social responsibility as JUC continues to Walk with the Youth.

By, Henriette Mushimiyimana

Communication Officer, JUC.